Chelsea fans told they will be to blame if they fail to finish top 4

onFebruary 28, 2013

Ridiculed by the fans since he took over in November, Rafael Benitez has finally cracked under pressure and hit out at the supporters for damaging the club’s image in public. The Spaniard also confirmed that he will leave Chelsea at the end of the season amid protests from the fans calling for his head.

Talking after his side’s 5th round FA Cup win over Middlesbrough that set up a mouthwatering clash with Manchester United in the quarter-finals, Benitez confirmed that he will leave the club in the summer. He said, “They don’t have to worry about me – I leave at the end of the season. “

Benitez was appointed the Chelsea manager after Roberto di Matteo was unceremoniously sacked in November and the former Liverpool boss was greeted to a round of boos in his first game in charge. The Blues’ supporters have yet to warm up to the Spaniard and have consistently displayed their displeasure at his appointment.

However, Benitez has hit out at his critics and said, “I really feel disappointed with a group of fans, because they don’t do any favors to the team. They should support the players instead of wasting time preparing banners or singing songs [against him]. What they have to do is support the team and create a good atmosphere at Stamford Bridge.”

He added, “If we cannot achieve the target that we are looking for – to be in the Champions League – they are not helping with their talking and talking. If they [the fans] are going to carry on with an agenda, then they have to take responsibility. Stick together and we can achieve what we need to. ”

Benitez also criticised the club hierarchy for giving him the title of interim manager and said, “They [Chelsea] gave me the title of interim manager. That was a massive mistake. Why did they need to do that?”